MCMC mulls legal action against X over user safety

THE Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is considering legal action, including suing social media platform X, following its failure to ensure user safety, particularly in relation to harmful content and exposure to children.

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the matter was being seriously discussed following concerns over content on the platform, which was allegedly not in line with Malaysian security and legal requirements.

"If a social media platform fails to comply with the requirements under the Communications and Multimedia Act, including user safety, legal action may be taken.

“MCMC is currently considering suing X for failing to ensure user safety," he said.

According to Fahmi, among the main issues raised was that content generated by artificial intelligence (AI) technology on the platform had the potential to spark unhealthy debates and inappropriate content, especially for minors.

He said MCMC was currently holding ongoing discussions with all social media platforms to ensure compliance with the Online Safety Act and existing laws.

"God willing, by the middle of this year, we are targeting full cooperation from all social media platforms to limit access and dissemination of certain social media content, especially to users aged 16 and above," he explained.

Fahmi also stressed that the government has resolved the issue of communication infrastructure and is now focusing on efforts to make the internet safer for the people, especially children and teenagers.

"Our children play on social media every day. So, the government's responsibility is to ensure that this digital space is safe and not harmful.

"Further statements and details of the actions to be taken will be announced by MCMC in the near future," he added.

Earlier, on January 3, the media reported that MCMC was conducting an investigation into online harm occurring on the X platform and would summon representatives of the platform to seek clarification regarding the misuse of AI to produce harmful content.

MCMC, in a statement, announced that it views seriously complaints from the public regarding the misuse of AI on the X platform, particularly involving the manipulation of images of women and children to the point of producing indecent, extremely offensive or harmful content. – January 13, 2026